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From Little Girl to President: It’s Just About… Life.

November 7, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

Sophie classic picture
Seems like just yesterday my daughter was running around in diapers with her tight little curls bobbing up and down. How things change. Now she straightens her hair almost every day, dresses more like my wife then a little girl and she has a new title in life…President.

I was going to write a blog today about success vs significance, then late yesterday, Sophie called with some major news. She won. Sophie is President of the National Junior Honor Society at her school. She made this blog easy.
Sophie no braces

The post is not to brag, yes we are proud, exceedingly proud, who wouldn’t be? Just maybe we are doing something right, but the blog is really about Sophie’s speech. Success vs significance.

Sophie read her speech to my wife Debbie and I a few nights ago. It was hard to focus on everything as she read, her inspiring words, the way she read it, the power point she created to enhance it. In those few moments I recognized just how fast my daughter is growing up. We told her how proud we are of her. She would be competing against four other well-deserving candidates and no matter what, whether she earned the top spot or not, she is a winner.

I know for a fact my daughter rarely reads my blogs, though she will sometimes listen to an inspirational, or motivational CD I pop in the car when we are together. Maybe it sinks in, or maybe she just comes by it naturally… but as you’ll see in a moment, Sophie gets it.

Some of the others who voted for Sophie told her they were inspired by her words. After her speech one of the other presidential candidates even chose to vote for Sophie, instead of voting for herself! Sophie understands while being elected President is an honor, and it shows her to be successful, she can’t be significant unless she inspires others to reach their own potential. That’s what her speech was all about… and it resonated across the room.

Here now, an excerpt from Sophie Brodinsky’s Honor Society Election Speech:
“… besides the facts of what a president must be, more importantly I’m here to talk about what a president like myself must do.

Believe me when I say that everyone in this room has inner potential. Anybody in this school, this state, this country, or even the world has inner potential. But not everyone lets it out. A president should try their best to encourage and inspire people to let out their inner potential so they can contribute their best. I can encourage you to do this. If we are all able to bring out our inner potential we can accomplish any of the goals we set for ourselves this year.

This society is completely a team effort. Yes, the president might be at the top, but every single person is just as important. Every person in here contributes equally to this society. The president’s job is to take the thoughts and ideas of the people here, organize them, and find compromise. The president is simply the guide to organize the brilliant ideas coming from her peers.

What I’m trying to say is that this society is a group effort. And with strong leadership we can accomplish anything. We are a society created to to help our community. And as President, my goal is to guide you to our goal, to do good things for this community.

As you may observe we are all really different. There are some unique individuals (in this society) and some groups of people who share the same interests. Some people come with labels, but in here we pull those labels off, no matter how “sticky”. We come together to appeal to all sorts of people, charities and organizations. As I’ve been saying the amount of potential in this room is overwhelming. And I cannot wait to unlock the potential within you. So my wish today is for you to let me have the honor to do just that. So this year, we can do great things.

Thank you.”

No, thank you Sophie, for making us proud.
sophie rose dress

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, Author
It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
#1 Amazon Best Seller
www.spouses-story.com
markbrodinsky@gmail.com

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Filed Under: Life

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Comments

  1. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    November 7, 2013 at 7:32 am

    To tell Sophie that I hope her grandparents’ Bonnie & Robin get to read this. I have always ‘kvelled’ over your children & shared it with them; I couldn’t be any happier if it were my own grandchildren. God bless Sophia, God bless you all!!

    Reply
  2. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    November 7, 2013 at 7:38 am

    The honor, the distinction….absolutely wonderful..she’s got brains, looks, etc. I am thrilled for her, thrilled for you!! Fondly, MARILYN Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2013 11:57:22 +0000 To: marilynlefkowitz@msn.com

    Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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